Ahh, I love New Year’s Day. It’s the start of something new, a full year of adventure ahead, and a chance for a fresh start. Who knows what 2011 will bring? One thing is for sure, I can’t wait to find out.
Last year, I randomly started this blog with a list of my Top 10 Sewing Projects to sew in 2010. And I checked some of the items off the list, I didn’t finish others, but the list was never top of mind. I sewed what I felt like sewing, what I was inspired to sew and what I needed to sew – and thoroughly enjoyed myself!
This year, I’m going to make statement goals. Not a list of to-dos, but things to keep in the back of my mind to help guide my sewing life.
Enjoy the process of sewing. Sometimes I’m in a rush to pump out a project. It ends up being a race to the finish line! Instead, I want to savour the process. I want to take pride in basting, in careful and accurate cutting, and in taking the time to add special sewing details that could easily be skipped for faster results. ‘You want to land, the moment you’re in the air’ – and then you miss all the fun! I want to take the time to make muslins for more accurate fit. I want to tailor a coat using traditional, hand-sewn techniques. Which ties in nicely to my next one…
Less items, better quality. This applies to everything! I’d much rather have one awesome, perfectly fitted and immaculately tailored coat than three acrylic-blend pilly coats that don’t quite fit right. I’d much rather buy natural, organic makeup and pay twice as much. I’d prefer to share a decadent dessert than devour an entire pint of no-name ice-cream. And I’d choose a smaller wardrobe of hand-sewn, high-quality garments than a closet full of cheap, synthetic ‘disposable’ items.
Create four new patterns this year for Sewaholic Patterns. At least four, maybe more! I have some really exciting ideas up my sleeve and can’t wait to share them with you. My focus is building a wardrobe with styles you want to make over and over. I think you’ll like the new designs!
No shopping. For clothing, that is. I hardly shopped at all last year, because of my excitement for sewing. So this year, I’m imposing a shopping ban on any clothing I can make, for the whole year. (Shoes, tights, and knitwear are permitted.) I’m on a tight budget so this should be relatively easy to follow! If I fall off the wagon, I’ll be sure to let you know what item tempted me into breaking the vow. Thrifting and refashioning is allowed though, and so is window-shopping for sewing inspiration. If I see something I want, I’ll have to devise a way to make it instead!
Maintain a balance between work, friends, family, sewing, blogging, fitness, and my love life. It’s all important for a healthy and fun life.
What’s in store for you? Any resolutions, sewing or otherwise? I’d love to hear your outlook on the New Year as well!
This selfish sewer is most interested in the 4+ new patterns. Keep’m coming!
Great post, Tasia! I completely agree with taking more time and care with sewing projects, as well as the shopping ban. I am really looking forward to your new patterns; yours are the only modern ones that I buy. :)
All wonderful resolutions/plans for the wonderful year ahead! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year and good luck by those resolutions!
Excellent resolutions for the new year. My resolutions include taking on a sewing challenge, a jacket with bound butttonholes, a blouse rather than a shell… And I vow not to step out day in and day out in a “Florida” uniform – tee shirt or polo and capris with sandals. Bring on the dresses and skirts.
Happy New Year! The no shopping rule is one that I also need to keep in mind this year now I’m a student with no job! I might create exceptions for 99p bargains on ebay which I can alter on the sewing machine but it’s more fun making something that you really want and really like rather than just grabbing something off the shelf anyway!
Great goals, Tasia! I am DYING to see more Sewaholic patterns!! It has been so much fun watching your journey in pattern designing!
Happy New Year, I’m with you on not buying any new clothes I can make.
How motivating! It’s almost like a holistic take on sewing :) I love it and I totally agree – I’m about to do a massive wardrobe clearout so I know exactly what I need and don’t need and can be more strategic about what I sew. Looking forward to 2011 (and yay more sewaholic patterns).
I’ve seen some of your projects on Sew Retro. I love your work! Keep up the great work in 2011. :)
No shopping – I love this idea but for me it would mean learning how to tackle the dreaded pant! Eek!
Happy New Year! I’ve enjoyed reading your blog thus far and look forward to seeing what you get up to in 2011!
I love your no shopping for clothes resolution. You are resourceful and skilled and I think you will have no trouble pulling this one off.
I want to make do with less. I have too much stuff. Fewer items and more room (physically and emotionally) for family and friends.
Great resolutions. I’d like to do the fewer quality items one too. And slow down to appreciate everything more, which kinda goes hand in hand with that.
Great list and I especially like your idea about taking the time to enjoy the process of sewing.
I had made a list of goals for the year sewing wise (trying to think a little more wisely when it comes to planning my wardrobe) but have just found out I’m pregnant again so my goals have changed to include some new ideas for a expanding waistline. It seems the pattern companies forget about pregnant women these days so I’ll be scouring the net for some vintage maternity patterns.
I just finished reviewing my Resolutions for 2010….I’m going to recycle them for 2011. They are extensive, ambitious, and amazing! Then next year I’ll trot them out again!!
Sounds like we have some similar goals. I’m excited to hear and see more of your pattern collection as it develops.
Happy New Year Tasia!
Great minds think alike as I’m doing the ‘no clothes shopping for a year’ thing as well :)
I hope you don’t mind but I added you to my blog roll on my new blog.
Cheers, Mel
Hey Tasia
Happy New Year to you. Well done on your achievements in 2010 and excited to see your output in 2011!!
All great resolutions too. Couldn’t agree more!!
Portia
xxx
http://portialawrie.blogspot.com/
Happy new year! I am so impressed with all you’ve accomplished this year. Best wishes for your new venture!!!!
Happy New Year Tasia to you & Mr. S too :)!
I love your sewing goals/statements – good luck to you in all of them.
For myself, I’ve achieved one teeny-tiny sewing-related goal already (I made my first inaugural post on my blog, I hope to follow it with more soon).
Best wishes,
Claire
Happy New Year! Your goals for 2011 are great. I’ve taken on the Thrifty 365 pledge this year so I’m with you on the looking in shop windows for clothing inspiration, refashioning and sewing what I wear.
Hello Tasia, nothing better than writing a plan that will help us understand how to act to achieve our goals in the seam. My list is also quite long.
Hugs and happy 2011.
Eilan – Brazil
Thanks everyone! I’m glad you guys are thinking along the same lines. It’s not just the economy that’s got me thinking this way, it’s my stage in life. I’m really happy with things the way they are! I used to think stuff would complete my life – if I had a new pair of shoes, a new coat, a new outfit, then things would finally come together. I’m realizing that it’s not true at all.. stuff doesn’t make life better. Without getting corny, its *you* that makes life better or worse.
Anyways! Also happy to hear you guys are supportive of my no-shopping pledge. It doesn’t mean I have to make pants though – I can wear skirts and dresses every day no problem! Although, I’d love to create the perfect pant for Sewaholic Patterns. Something finally meant to fit girls with a booty and thighs – and designed to flatter! It will be a challenge for sure, but a great wardrobe essential.
Good luck with all of your New Years goals as well!
Happy 2011! I love that you’re going for classic styles for your pattern company – I’m so excited to see what you have in store for us this year. :)